BeOS 5 Bounds onto the Scene

The Downsides, & Getting Started

The Cons

Ok, if it's so great, why isn't everyone using it? Well,
admittedly, it's not all roses and multi-threaded moonbeams in
Be-land. There are some definitely cons to the BeOS, and for
many people, these may be enough to keep them from even trying it.

Software and Hardware Support.

This is the big one. BeOS, being the "little kid on the block,"
doesn't have anywhere near the software support of either the
Microsoft or Macintosh OSes. It's the catch-22 of any new
operating system - if the OS doesn't have any applications, it
won't attract any users. And if it doesn't have any users, no one
will want to write applications for the OS. And if it doesn't
have any applications...you get the idea.

This is not to imply that there are no applications available for
BeOS, just that the number is far lower than on other platforms.
A quick glance at the BeWare Catalog
(www.be.com/software/beware/), or at sites like BeBits
(www.bebits.com) will give you a good idea of range and
scope of available applications. Being both media-optimized and
programmer-friendly, Be has software available from several big
names in the the audio/video/image software community, including
MetaCreations, Steinberg, Arboretum, eMagic, VideoWave and more.
Most importantly, much of the software available seems to be
high in quality, which might make the total number of choices
less of a concern.

Hardware support is good, but not complete. While the company and
existing user base has done an admirable job of writing drivers
and keeping Be compatible with most major hardware, there are
definite gaps. As with the software catch-22, most manufacturers
won't spend the time and money to develop drivers for a platform
with a small user base. On the plus side, BeOS does a wonderful
job of automatically recognizing the hardware it does support, so
installation of new (supported) devices is extremely easy. For
speed demons, the OS also has multi-processor support built into
the kernel. More information about currently supported hardware
can be found at: www.be.com/products/beosreadylist.html

Ease of Use/Learning Curve.

This isn't necessarily a con, as much as it's just a fact of life.
BeOS 5 is a complete and independent operating system, so learning
to use it will take a little time. Elements of the interface can
be changed to more closely resemble other OSes and there are
aspects of the interface that will make users migrating from
Windows, MacOS or Unix feel more comfortable. The core is
distinctly Be though, and to get the most out of it, a new user is
going to have to realize that there will be a learning curve.
This is especially true for new features like the powerful
attributes system that don't have a clear equivalent in other
existing OSes.

Getting Going with BeOS 5

I found BeOS 5 to be a breeze to install. After downloading the
installation archive (which, at 40 megs, is somewhat large for
modem users, but still smaller than most game and application
demos these days), I walked through a fairly brainless and
painless install process. The new version simply installs itself
and it's file structure as a one 500 meg file in your existing
system, so there was no need to worry about repartitioning,
dual-boot voodoo, or file system changes. Booting into BeOS is
just as easy - just click on an icon on your desktop. Your OS
shuts itself down, and Be pops up. Since I'm running Windows NT,
I did have to make an additional boot floppy, but that was equally
painless.

Final Words

I have no vested interest in the BeOS - I don't own stock in the
company, and had never used it before this review. Though I get
as grumpy as the next guy about the foibles of Windows, MacOS and
the various flavors of Unix that I work on in any given day, I
have no major grudge or agenda against any of those platforms or
their parent companies. So bottom line - will I continue use BeOS
5 in the future? My honest answer is a qualified "maybe". The OS
itself seems great: it's zippy, looks nice, and "feels good", if
that makes any sense. Though I'm certainly at the start of the
learning curve, and need to get much more familiar with the details
of the user interface, I like what I see. Every time I use BeOS 5,
different elements of the design jump out at me and small but
elegant features come to light.

For me, the deciding factor will ultimately come down to software
support. Will the available software allow me to accomplish my
work? Perhaps more on point, will it make life easier for me, and
make up for any time I need to spend learning to use a new OS?
I'm not entirely sure yet, but I enjoyed BeOS 5 enough to invest a
little more time putting it through its paces and surveying the
available software. I'd recommend anyone with an interest in
alternative, well-designed operating systems to take a look.

For more information on BeOS 5 and download locations, check:
free.be.com